UTICA, N.Y. -- The Mohawk Valley Health System's Breast Care Center received $15,050 in donations.

Utica Mayor Robert Palmieri presented representatives with a check on Wednesday. The money comes from the mayor's annual breast cancer awareness luncheon, which was held in October.

Leaders said it could enhance services or help their patients financially.

"We have a financial assistance program where we offer up to $1,500 annually for patients," said Mohawk Valley Health System Cancer Program Executive Director Nancy Butcher. "I mean, that's a hundred patients that I could help pay their bills if they needed. I mean, it stays here and goes directly back to the patients, so this gift is overwhelming."

It was the most money the luncheon has ever raised.